Founder and ruler of the Mali empire (c.1235–55) in west Africa. He was sickly as a child, but became a vigorous warrior. In about 1235 he was called on to fight Soumangourou, King of Sosso, and defeated him at Krina. After further victories, he conquered Ghana and Walata, and then all the neighbouring gold-bearing regions. After c.1240 he devoted himself to administration. He died accidentally, either from an arrow shot at random during a festival or by drowning in the Sankarani River.